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Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
VR has took a bit of a nosedive this year but some good things have happened but the focus is mostly AR or Augmented Reality. If like me you like your VR coming from Samsung Devices and their standalone headsets which are excellent I have not delved much into the VR scene this year as much as I would liken to.. because im using the Nokia 3,5,6 and 8 so I was hoping something like this would happen sooner rather than later but this is not specifically for Nokia devices but its a step closer and being made by ZIESS it has to be pretty decent considering how good ZEISS are in general,we all know good how their smarthpone cameras are.
However now if you buy a Nokia 8 you can claim a VR headset which is made by ZEISS which costs £49.99 you buy from nokia mobile store you can get your free headset,the device as it stands sim free is €499 which is a really good price for the specs you get in a mobile phone today. If you already own a Nokia 8 and now feel a bit burned like what Samsung do from time to time offering free VR headsets you can buy the headset on its own right HERE
This is my first pair of earphones of this kind without the wires and come tucked in its own little charging box which is pretty cool too and it also keeps them save and sound and also charged which is great for those on the go, Given you have a small box so to speak to carry its small and compact so its not a bulky object to be stowing in your pocket its pretty neat and to add to the flavour it magentised inside so your little earbuds wont be knocking around inside it either ..
Unboxing showcase of the XT -XS RUN FREE PRO HD and Prime Wireless
Build Quality
Excellent all round including its charge case, They have a generic design of your typical in-ear experience and constructed mostly of plastic but they do sport an IPX4 rating which is basically sweatproof and seeing they are so light they would withstand plenty of drops,they are housed in plastic but have a rubber type touch coating which does give some addtional grip, On both earbuds there is visible connectors which do the obvious so it would be advisable to try keep dirt away from the contacts also note they are magnetised so they can stick to each other too so you wont loose them.
Wearability
Having used these for a while I did find they did fall out the odd time perhaps not the right size for me even with the included extra sized buts included in the package but I typically suffer from random drop-outs on similar buds but mostly on excessive workouts or running. The only fear I would have here is that if one fell out in an awkward place like a shore for example its gone whereas a wired offering similar to the Prime for example would be a safer bet if dropped on not loosing one of the earbuds.
Connectivity
A slightly different setup to most as you can pair separately ie one side or another or both,this is a handy option meaning you can just use one at a time for your car or office for example or you can sport both this will depend on the individual and their specific needs,for me having the choice was a better option meaning I could chose which side I want when I want or just use both depending on what I am doing. There is of course voice enabled notifications called out to you on pairing etc which helps being so small.
Sound Quality
They sound pretty good considered the price they come at compared to other packages on offer knocking out all mids,highs and lows pefectly fine I am no expert in Audio but for the general user whom is not seeking the ultimate definition of sound will enjoy them and I have tested more than enough earphones and headphones to tell you when something is basically brutal when it comes to dishing out sounds,these are not brutal.
Controls
When it comes to volume your out of luck for changing this from the buds themselves your are strictly limited to using your paired device be it a phone or tablet,with no cable and their size you can forgive this caveat so you will need to use your connected device to change the tone and volume its not all that bad and its not much trouble. There is one button on each side and both clicky with feeback so you know you have done a command, you have the usual play,pause,skip track options but you can hang up on calls and connect to Google Assistant if you use it.
Battery Life
Seems to be on par with their claim which is around 2 Hours on one single charge which might put people off but dont forget your charging box provides you with more on the go up to 4 times in fact so that would be plenty for those who may use them on a commute to work for example.
Charging box
It is limited to what it does as to where your charge status is,there is a blue LED that will flash but to let you know they are charging also on the buds they host a light in either Blue or White to let you know their status.
THE SPECS
Overall thoughts
For the money you will be happy and this is the trend now with more manufacturers offering earbuds like this and there is many on offer today but they command a higher price offering similar in specs etc. Not the loudest in the world but not quite either but then again my preference is really loud and always has been but in a quite enviroment you will be happy with what they offer,outdoors you might notice more external noise but everyones ears are different, For the price you get a great prodcut if you want something simple,looks good gives great sound these are for you but for those on an excessive fitness regimes may want to consider the PRIME WIRELESS but having said that its just perhaps my ears that have the problem keeping them in.
The past few years have been transformative for enterprise messaging. Organizations across the world are embracing team communication and collaboration platforms such as Flock and realizing efficiency gains. Flock’s CEO Bhavin Turakhia shares his predictions for the year ahead.
Plus, with distributed teams becoming more common, enterprise messengers have become virtual meeting grounds and office spaces for teams everywhere. And with the launch and availability of APIs for almost every service, it’s become much more easier for enterprises to use and customize messaging apps. Bots have also become a key component of messaging platforms – both for personal use and in the enterprise.
All this however, is just the preamble to the sea of change that is upon us. I see the year ahead bringing in even more changes and improvements to the way we communicate and work together.
New technologies – AI, AR, VR and IoT
New technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and the internet of things promise to usher in new ways of communication in the workplace. Meetings in a virtual room, AI-enabled data analysis within messaging platforms, bots that do more than send notifications, and IoT-based automatic attendance systems – the potential is unlimited.
Customer-centric development
A side-effect of the Uber-isation of apps and services is that customer retention is more important now than ever. Product development is now shifting towards a customer-led approach, where customer feedback is key to the development of new features. Companies are spending more effort on enabling customer success to retain users. This is a trend that will continue to influence the enterprise messaging space in 2018 and beyond. Put simply, customer-centric enterprise messengers are more likely to succeed.
Third-party integrations
Efficiency is a magic word for any enterprise, and one of the ways enterprise messengers are increasing efficiency is by integrating third-party apps and services within the messaging tool. This saves customers the hassle of switching between multiple apps at work, and gives them time that can be put to better use. For example, one of the most popular apps in Flock is Shared To-Dos, which allows users to create and assign tasks to team members, and track their completion. It’s really a simple idea that reduces the usual runaround between a company’s messaging and task management tools, and gives users time to do more.
Custom integrations for enterprises are going to be bigger and better in 2018, giving users more out-of-the-box functionality in their enterprise messaging tools.
Process and workflow automation
SOPs are the daily drivers of almost every function in a business. Consider the processes we follow for expense reimbursements, or for hiring and induction – there is a certain method to the madness, and these processes often require repetitive human intervention at multiple stages. Process and workflow automation aims to solve the problem of repetitive human effort in such use cases.
Enterprise communication platforms that can integrate with existing HR and Finance systems, and automate some processes will lead to jumps in efficiency and productivity for the entire organization.
The adoption of AI and a host of technologies such as AR, VR and IoT, customer-centric development, better third-party integrations and process/workflow automation are key trends to look out for. I expect them to make a big difference to the evolution of enterprise messaging, leading to better communication and collaboration in the workplace.
Ultimately, the best enterprise messengers will adopt these new technologies, making life simpler for teams working on the next great thing.
Updates are rolling out fast of late with HMD and Now the Nokia 5 and 6 are legible for Android Oreo in betalabs but you need to sign up for this and you will be notifed by email, Still waiting on my Nokia 5 to get it and also the latest update for the flagship Nokia 8.
The DECEMBER update has just hit my Nokia 3 so go and check your device to see if its available and rememeber updates are phased out but do keep checking in. If you need to check you just go to Settings – About – System updates and you will be told then if its available but try two or three times as this has happened to me before and the update came through. This update is 466 MB
We have been testing out some of SOUL Electronics goods over the last two weeks and reviews go live this week and we are impressed with them and not only this the price point here is really competitive in this market and it is crowded but this means choice. Watch out for our thoughts this week..
SOUL Electronics is one of the world leaders in consumer electronics with a focus on high-quality headphones and Bluetooth speakers that combine powerful sound with stylish design and perfect features for daily workout – at fair prices.
Within the scope of the development of these products, SOUL has also worked closely with famous athletes and musicians, such as Hip-hop legend and Grammy winner Ludacris, sprint superstar Usain Bolt and German NBA legionnaire Dennis Schröder. SOUL headphones are also perfect for those who are looking for a spontaneous Christmas gift and are among others available on Amazon.co.uk and HMV.co.uk.
X-Shock Pure Wireless In-Ears
Weighing only 6 grams each, these in-ears are ergonomically designed and boast a sweat- and waterproof outer shell. Thanks to their Bluetooth 4.2. technology the X-Shock earphones have a range of up to 10 meters. The mobile charging station also offers convincing performance: It not only charges the X-Shock in-ears in 1.5 hours, but also serves as a power bank for the smartphone. In combination with the integrated remote control for easily answering incoming calls, the X-Shock in-ears provide ultimate comfort and flexibility – in the office as well as during workout in the gym or jogging in the park.
X-TRA Over-Ears
Sound meets comfort meets functionality with the SOUL X-TRA headphones: These sports over-ears use LED lights for better visibility for those who like to exercise outdoors, especially in dark winter nights. They weigh less than 200 grams, have removable and washable ear pods to keep them hygienic and are lightweight enough to sit over the user’s ear comfortably during activity.
Prime Wireless In-Ears
These earphones are rather a fashion accessory, since a handy magnetic clip allows them to transition conveniently into a necklace that is perfect for all-day wear. They are made of high density metal, providing a distinct weight and texture for a more premium look and feel. Despite their compact size, these in-ears boast advanced drivers for warm, deep low bass and clear mids and highs. The Prime Wireless come in a stylish leather carrying case and feature 6 hours battery life, a mic for hands free calls and a remote for volume and playlist control.
RUN FREE PRO HD Bluetooth Earphones
The secure fit of these wireless in-ears can be individually adjusted thanks to the interchangeable ear lock system. They are water and sweat resistant due to their special Nano-coating, and their Wind Noise Reduction function maintains the clear and pumping Bluetooth 4.0 sound without being affected by strong wind noises – for instance during jogging or cycling. Along with up to 12 hours of battery life, this means extended workout sessions in- or outdoors.
ST-XS True Wireless Earphones
Boasting two powerful 6mm dynamic neodymium drivers, these sweat-proof and only 4 grams light Bluetooth in-ears deliver balanced deep low bass and clear mids and highs. Their sweat-proof design ensures a secure and comfortable fit without any wires and hence without any interruptions. Offering up to 10 hours of playtime, the ST-XS also come with a charging carrying case that delivers four full charges – perfect for extensive workout or just for relaxed music entertainment on Christmas holidays.
From Monday the 18th to Friday the 22nd of December Liberty Games are giving money to a great charity, but they need you to help them. Its simple free and can be done from your home or office..
They have hooked up an arcade claw machine to the internet with a Raspberry Pi. With a simple control interface and a livestreaming webcam, you can play it right now, wherever you are.
And it’s for a great cause. For every toy successfully grabbed and placed in the prize box, they will make a donation to St Mungo’s, a London homeless charity.
To play the game, view the prizes and find out the technical details of how they did it head over HERE
The famous red box has arrived and this time we have a custom made case from our friends at noreve
This case is simple yet gives your phone a really nice look given its one colour and plain but its professional looking,feels good in hand and also protects your device giving easy access to all ports and then there is no need to remove the cover for anything.
Check out the image gallery below and video review and if there is any questions you would like answered feel free to do so and we will leave a link as to where you can buy this fantastic case from and you can even customise your own case.
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This Nokia 8 cover is a reference in the accessories market, and more specifically that of protections. The Noreve expertise, recognized for decades, is once again highlighted through this Nokia 8 holder. Featuring a very classic look, its back structure perfectly marries the phone’s shapes. Designed to the last millimeter, it covers the corners and edges and is resistant to shocks thanks to its robustness. The back of your phone will not be exposed to scratches and stripes. Thin enough, this case fits easily into your pocket.
You will appreciate the quality finishes our craftsmen offer, designing entirely this case in a traditional way. Our customization module allows you to create a case that is unique and exclusive. If you want to keep your Nokia smartphone screen free as to use it quickly while partially protecting it, this cover is your best choice.
Not all dating sites are created equal. Just as the goals of online dating users vary, the sites catering to this market boast distinct characteristics. Websites and apps such as Tinder are geared towards those who want to dive head-first into the dating game and seek short-term gratification. Others like Match.com and eHarmony are better suited to people who are serious about online dating and crave a lasting relationship with someone who is compatible with them.
These sites ask for plenty of information to be submitted, but if you’re intent on finding ‘the one’, you’ll happily take the time to go through the rigorous setup process.
As Christmas is nearly upon us, and with the “working from home” culture on the rise, Flock has compiled some top tips for those planning to work from the comfort of their home over the Christmas break.
With Christmas around the corner, most employees will be looking forward to a break from the office. While some will be busy wrapping presents (and fretting over cooking the turkey perfectly!) new research shows that 70% of people will be using this time at home to catch up and get ahead for the next year
#1: Know your team
You may be working with a skeleton team over Christmas. So, if you’re working from home, ensure you know who’s working and when. Make sure you have their contact details and working dates, and if possible, add them on your work’s instant messaging app for quick and easy communication.
#2: Plan your time
For many of us, working from home seems like the perfect opportunity to get our heads down and tick items off our to-do lists. But in reality, the lack of a structured work day and other distractions (read excitable children, day-time TV, and pile of laundry) may make this less feasible. To stay on track, plan your time, or even set appointments in your online calendar to make it easier to stay on track.
#3: Follow the 5-minute rule
This tip is super simple. If you have a task that you know will take less than five minutes, make the most of being away from immediate distractions that are in abundance at the office (e.g., your colleagues or the biscuit tin) and get it done now!
#4: Take a break
From time to time, all of us are tempted to work through our lunch breaks. But studies show that letting work eat into your lunch time is counter-productive, and that scheduling a break will instead improve your work quality and ability to concentrate!
#5: Schedule meetings
Coordinating and setting up a meeting can be tough, and this becomes so much more difficult if you’re not working from the office! But with most modern work messenger apps such asFlock, scheduling meetings even when working remotely has been made far easier. You can easily schedule an efficient video or voice call, ultimately cutting the time wasted on all the back and forth that can occur via email. Scheduling meetings also adds an element of structure to your day. So, if your skeleton team is spread across geographical locations, you can schedule a quick daily stand up via a video call.
#6: Ensure you have the right tools
Do you get anxious about transparency, access to work documents, and being a part of work-related discussions? Don’t worry, the fear of missing out is real! Research shows that nearly half of us find it hard to relax when we don’t have access to work emails. That’s why it’s important to choose tech tools that help you stay connected even on the go. If you’re keen to stay online, make sure you download your messaging app to your phone so that you can monitor activity and have files at your fingertips while you’re out and about during your Christmas break.
